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They evolved through mutations and natural selection, of course.

First change:

1. The "primordial soup" became less "soupy" and more "watery" as protobionts got better at incorporating the organic materials into their structures.

Later changes:

2. With oxygenic photosynthesis, oxygen combined with dissolved iron in the oceans. The oxidized material (mostly hematite and magnetite) precipitated out and are found as "banded iron formations" today.

3. With oxygenic photosynthesis, eventually enough oxygen gas was released that it significantly changed the overall makeup of the atmosphere. With free oxygen, an "ozone layer" formed, helping to protect the earth's surface from solar ultraviolet.

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What gas has made up the largest portion of earths atmosphere for most of earths history?

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The record of Earth's history is called the geological timescale. It is a classification system that organizes Earth's history into different time intervals based on significant geological events and changes in life forms.


What collection of fossils found and studies by scientists in order to gather information about the history of life on earth and past environments?

The collection of fossils studied by scientists to gather information about the history of life on earth and past environments is called the fossil record. This record includes information about the evolution of organisms, past climates, and ancient ecosystems, providing valuable insights into the earth's history and the processes that have shaped life over time.


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